A Warm Welcome to Phuket
The inaugural flight, NO461, arrived at Phuket International Airport on December 13, 2024, with TAT hosting a special welcome ceremony to celebrate the occasion. Local and national representatives from Phuket’s public and private sectors gathered to mark the event, highlighting the growing importance of the region as a top destination for winter travellers.
Ms. Suladda Sarutilavan, Executive Director of TAT’s Europe Region, spoke about the significance of this new service, saying, “This new connectivity underscores Thailand’s appeal as a premier holiday destination. It also reinforces our commitment to sustainable tourism growth in international markets. The collaboration with Čedok is pivotal in driving winter travel to Thailand, with the new Phuket service benefitting nearby destinations like Krabi and Khao Lak in Phang-nga.”
A Direct Connection to Thailand
The new route connects Milan, Italy, with Ostrava in the Czech Republic, before continuing directly to Phuket, providing more accessible travel options for holidaymakers in the region. The service is operated by NEOS Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with 327 seats per flight. This seasonal service runs from December 12, 2024, to March 6, 2025, with six flights scheduled.
Čedok, which has long been a key player in promoting travel to Thailand, has reserved 120 seats per flight for its Thailand tour packages, making it easier than ever for Czech travellers to experience the Land of Smiles. With additional charter services from Prague and Brno, Čedok now offers a total of 5,940 seats on 26 flights between the Czech Republic and Thailand.
Expanding Eastern European Reach
NEOS Air’s expanded operations go beyond just the Ostrava-Phuket route. Additional flights include services from Prague to Krabi (January 7 to March 25, 2025), Brno to Phuket (October 31, 2024, to March 28, 2025), and Bratislava to Phuket (November 7, 2024, to March 13, 2025). Collectively, these services contribute to a remarkable 51,971 air seats between Thailand and Eastern Europe for the winter 2024-2025 season, providing enhanced travel connectivity across the region.
Key Market Insights: Czech Tourism on the Rise
The Czech Republic has become one of Thailand’s fastest-recovering markets post-COVID-19, with a 23.51% increase in Czech arrivals from January 1 to December 12, 2024. By the end of the year, Thailand is expected to welcome 60,000 Czech tourists, generating 5 billion Baht in revenue. The number of Czech visitors has surged dramatically, with arrivals growing by 170% year-on-year and nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels.
Czech tourists typically enjoy long stays, spending an average of 17.9 days in Thailand with a trip expenditure of 68,603 Baht. This places Czech travellers second among Central and Eastern European markets in terms of spending, underscoring the importance of this growing market for Thailand’s tourism economy.
TAT anticipates even greater growth in 2025, with 78,000 Czech tourists expected to visit Thailand, further solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a leading winter destination in Southeast Asia.
Looking Ahead
The launch of NEOS Air’s direct Ostrava-Phuket flight is a testament to the increasing demand for travel to Thailand and the nation’s commitment to expanding connectivity with key international markets. With the added convenience of direct flights and tailored tour packages, Thailand is set to continue its rise as one of the top destinations for European travellers seeking sun, culture, and adventure.
So, whether you're dreaming of a tropical beach escape, a cultural immersion in Bangkok, or a serene getaway in Krabi or Khao Lak, Thailand is more accessible than ever—and the best time to explore is now.
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